the government forces. More than 100,000 government troops surrendered to the Yan forces, and Li Jinglong retreated back to Dezhou once again. On 27 April, the Yan forces began marching toward Dezhou to lay siege to the city. The Yan forces captured Dezhou on 9 May, and Li Jinglong was forced to flee to Jinan. The Yan forces followed up immediately and encircled the city of Jinan on 15 May, and Li Jinglong fled back to Nanjing. Despite losing the entire army and being condemned by the imperial court, Li Jinglong was spared execution. Stalemate, 1400–1401 Battle of Jinan As the city of Jinan was under siege by the Yan forces, the defenders led by Tie Xuan and Sheng Yong refused to surrender. On 17 May, the Yan forces diverted the river to flood the city. Tie Xuan pretended to surrender and lured Zhu Di to the city gate. As Zhu Di approached the city gate, he was ambushed by the government forces and fled back to the camp. The siege continued for the next three months. The strategic importance of Jinan was crucial, and Zhu Di was determined to capture the city. After suffering several setbacks during the siege, Zhu Di turned to the use of cannons. In response, the defenders resorted to placing several plaques written with the name of Zhu Yuanzhang, father of Zhu Di, on top of the city walls. Zhu Di was forced to stop the bombardment. In June, Jianwen Emperor dispatched an envoy to negotiate for peace, but it was rejected by Zhu Di. The government reinforcements arrived in Hejian around July, and disrupted the supply line of the Yan forces. With the supply line threatened, Zhu Di was forced to withdraw back to Beiping on 16 August. The garrison in Jinan followed up and recaptured the city of Dezhou. Both Tie Xuan and Sheng Yong were promoted to replace the commanding post previously led by Li Jinglong. The government forces advanced back north and settled in Dingzhou and Cangzhou. Battle of Dongchang In October 1400, Zhu Di was informed that the government forces were marching northwards, and decided to launch a pre-emptive strike on Cangzhou. Departing from Tongzhou on 25 October, the Yan forces reached Cangzhou by 27 October and captured the city in two days. The Yan forces crossed the river and arrived in Dezhou on 4 November. Zhu Di attempted to